The position of POTUS is unique in nature. After all, “leader of the free world” isn’t a title that can be claimed by many. And after four years (eight years maximum), it’s over. With a place permanently carved in history, the president makes way for the next elected official to take his or her place.
Just as unique as the position, though, is the interesting way in which POTUS transitions out of office. As the presidential race hits full stride, this Weekly Wrap takes a look at how President Obama is representing his personal brand as he prepares to leave the White House.
Associated Press / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
On Wednesday September 16th, President Obama delivered a speech to the Business Roundtable, a group compsed of CEOs from large corporations. Obama used this platform to urge these powerful people to put pressure on Congress to solve the recent budget issue. Obama warned, if an agreement is not reached by October 1, the government would shut down and the economy would pay the price. Ignoring possible consequences, Obama blatantly blamed Republicans stating, “You’ll recall two years ago Republicans shut down the government because they didn’t like Obamacare. Today, some are suggesting the government should be shut down because they don’t like Planned Parenthood.” Obama distanced himself from the right side even further saying, “That’s not good sense, and it’s not good business.” It is no accident that Obama is bolstering his accomplishments as president. He ended his speech on a more positive note. “America’s winning right now. America’s great right now. We can do even better.”
Obama met Thursday with the three heroes who helped to stop a shooting in France last month. On Friday, August 21, three Americans on vacation in Europe (Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos), along with two others, a French national and a Briton, tackled and subdued an individual trying to attack passengers on a French metro train. In the midst of the altercation, Stone was severely cut and was rushed to immediate surgery. Since Stone’s release from the hospital, the three have been hailed all over the world as heroes. Obama swiftly called “to commend and congratulate them for their courage and quick action” and to invite them to the White House. Seeing him follow through on such an invitation may not be surprising. It is, however, interesting to consider what meetings like this are doing for his image.
Last Monday, September 14, Texas teenager Ahmed Mohamed went into school with a clock he made from a pencil box so he could show his teacher. The invention was not received well. The teacher took the show and tell as a threat and Ahmed was arrested on charges of creating a “hoax bomb.” Many took to social media to express outrage about the incident, criticizing the school for racism. Obama joined in the conversation. “Cool clock, Ahmed,” Obama wrote before publicly inviting the teenager to the White House to show it to him.
In addition, the White house invited Ahmed to Astronomy Night, an annual event taking place in October that brings together astronauts, scientists and other professionals. Social media users outside the White House used #IStandWithAhmed to show support for the Texas teenager. Why didn’t Obama include the hashtag in his tweet?
Pushing for a decision from Congress, diplomatic meetings with American heroes and outwardly supporting the victim of racism may not seem too shocking. Obama’s actions in the coming year, however, will be the building blocks for his personal brand in life after presidency. What would you suggest he do next?
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Brian Mulligan is an Intern at WordWrite Communications. He can be reached at brian.mulligan@wordwritepr.com or on Twitter, @brian_mulligan1
